The Central Queensland University Bundaberg campus Women in Research group will host their second biennialconference on February 7 and 8, 2003.

On the agenda are some great topics including water issues in the Bundaberg region, how language affects reconciliation, influences on student teachers and organic farming.

Local postgraduate students, academics from CQU, other regional universities, a British university and non-academics will present papers.

Organiser Wendy Davis said the “Breaking New Ground” conference offers more variety than 2001, highlighting the important role that women play within the community. The conference will be officially opened by Kay Giles, Director of Wide Bay TAFE at 9am.

“When you consider the topics on the agenda it is clear that the conference will showcase the involvement of women in every aspect of research covering a wide variety of disciplines. It also gives women researchers an extra boost and encouragement to continue the great work that they are doing,” Ms Davis said.

“The papers being presented are reflective of issues which are important to people today, not just women. However there are women now researching in areas that would previously have been male dominated.

“For example CQU Bundaberg’s Dr Lin Hungerford’s paper discusses water issues in the Bundaberg Region, while Sandy Paton from the Institute for Sustainable Regional Development discusses the Central Highlands Organic Partnerships Project and the increasing community awareness of the need for long term sustainable solutions to environmental, social and economic problems in rural communities.

“Some research does have a definite link to women for example James Cook University’s Heather Lovatt has undertaken a study in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Bowen areas of Queensland which explores the experiences of female foster carers, their perceptions of this role and the social supports they use.

Other papers being presented look at the business world, cultural studies and teaching. As part of the conference local artist Christine Turner will exhibit some of her work in the foyer of building one in an exhibition titled ‘The Creation Series’”.

“It is really wonderful to have the support of such a great local artist and the assistance of curator Joan Winter who incidentally will be presenting a paper based on race issues surfacing from the Native Title Business exhibition, part of which was on display at the campus late last year,” Ms Davis said.

To register for the conference or to find out more information contact Darlene Turner on 07 4150 7051 for more information on the conference, guest speaker and research go to http://www.cqu.edu.au/wir/.

Photo: Dr Lin Hungerford will present a paper discussing water issues in the Bundaberg Region during the conference.